( dpa ) - The Philippines lambasted on Saturday the visit of Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian on the disputed Spratly group of islands.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said the visit "works against the joint efforts by claimant countries in the south China Sea to achieve peace and stability in the region."
"It is lamentable that Taiwanese leader Chen Shui-bian pushed through with his plan to land in Ligao Island," he said in a statement.
"It is unfortunate that Taiwan is resorting to what may be considered as irresponsible political posturings that could be of no advantage to the peace-loving Taiwanese people."
"The Philippines, therefore urges all parties concerned to exercise prudence, self-restraint and use diplomacy to settle the disputes," he said.
Chen, aboard a C-130 military transport plane, landed on Taiping, the largest islet in the Spratlys, where Taiwanese troops are maintaining an airstrip.
The Spratlys straddle key shipping lanes in the South China Sea and are believed to be rich in oil, marine and mineral resources. They are claimed in whole or in part by China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.
In November 2002, the claimant countries signed an agreement to refrain from taking steps that could trigger conflict among them and to hold consultations on possible joint ventures.